This workshop will address advanced advocacy skills that can be utilized in responding to survivors who have mental health diagnoses, or who otherwise are perceived to display signiﬁcant mental health-related needs. The workshop will address the barriers that survivors experience while accessing both mental health resources and domestic violence services, and explore ways to strengthen the connections between workers in each ﬁeld. We will also discuss social stigmas, internalized stigmas, and common myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health diagnoses and experiences, as well as how advocates can respond to mental health needs in a manner that is trauma-informed. The workshop will share skills which can be used on crisis lines, in case management, and in crisis response, for survivors entering hospitilizations or accessing sexual assault forensic exams.

Presented by:

Gibson is a direct service advocate at Call To Safety specializing in supporting survivors who experience mental health barriers and/or needs. In their position they have developed a number of population specific responses and materials. They have worked to develop relationships with mental health care providers and behavioral health facilities to better support survivors in accessing their physical and mental health needs. Gibson's background is in community and grassroots organizing with a focus on youth art empowerment programs.

Meghann has worked with Call to Safety for about 4 years and is currently Call to Safety's Community Advocate providing survivors with debt and barrier reduction to secure and sustain housing. Meghann is dedicated to the anti-ableism movement and has worked to increase access and accommodation awareness within the DV shelter system. Meghann also enjoys her cat, Bagel, that she walks on a leash.